Meghan Markle ‘struggling’ to find CEO for American Riviera Orchards after 18 staff resign: report

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard is struggling to stay afloat as it struggles to find a CEO, according to a report.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, unveiled her new business in March, teasing its launch. But six months later, there’s still no release date or details about the products customers can expect to go on sale.

One source said the delay was a direct result of Markle’s difficulty in appointing a CEO.

“The numbers don’t lie, and the fact that nearly 20 of these employees have quit speaks for itself,” one source told Closer about Markel’s failure. “This is unprecedented, even for a startup.”

“The harsh reality is that Harry and Meghan are the strictest taskmasters, they are very demanding and difficult to work with and that puts a lot of people off,” the insider said.

Though her brand’s products aren’t yet available to purchase, Markle sent jars of strawberry jam to an exclusive group of celebrities in April, giving the company’s rollout a “strong start.”

Since then, the mum-of-two has sent dog biscuits to her celebrity friends, and has also announced a future rosé wine range.

Reports began circulating earlier this year that the “Suits” alumni were seeking investors.

“I think the pop-ups and seedings, and the series of dinners will continue until some sort of official launch,” branding strategist Lucy Green told the Sun in July.

“It may still be looking for investment,” he added. “If the brand is direct to consumer, not wholesale, then consumer acquisition will require a substantial marketing budget.”

“It’s also not clear what kind of leadership they have at this point,” he added. “Maybe these jams were precursors and examples to show proof of concept to talent and investors.”

The Post has contacted Markle’s representatives for comment.

According to those close to the former actress, the brand’s name is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, California, as it has been nicknamed the “American Riviera” for over a century.

This is the place where she and Prince Harry live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Additionally, the trademark application revealed that the brand plans to sell tableware, drinkware, decanters, kitchen linens, and food items such as jellies, jams, marmalades, and spreads.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Markle is looking to earn a whopping seven-figure sum within the first year of launching the brand.

Rumors of business troubles come just weeks after the couple’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, resigned after just three months on the job.

The reason for Kettler’s departure was revealed earlier this month – just a day before she left on a trip to Colombia with the Sussexes.

He was the 18th employee working for the couple to submit his resignation.